Comments: Soldier's 'selfie' sparks wave of controversy

A story about a soldier taking a “selfie” of herself avoiding saluting the flag has sparked a wave of discourse on social media.
The story, which was first published by The Gazette on Wednesday, has had over 11,000 Facebook shares and has drawn nearly 500 comments as of Thursday evening....

Below is a sampling of some of the comments posted by readers on Gazette.com:

“This kind of thing happens all the time throughout the ranks. The difference was that this person just chose to do the dumb thing and bragged about it. You'd be shocked to see the amount of cars that speed off Fort Carson to avoid having to stop when the colors are lowered, or how many just ignore it totally.”

Justin Crossno

“Because freedom of speech shouldn't be extended to those actually fighting for it.”

Tyson Fricker

“There is a freedom of speech, only paramount to freedom of choice. she chose to put on the uniform, take the oath, break regulations. by her own actions, and her choices, she needs to leave the army (-1 off the reduction in forces)”

Jack Auble

“Should she be punished? Yes, but you people calling for prison and/or a dishonorable discharge are out of your minds. You want to ruin her life for a bad judgment call. From the looks of her picture, she is fairly young and young people are prone to make mistakes. I'm sure a little KP duty will show her the error in her judgment.”

Mark Weir

“When keeping it real goes wrong.”

Kay Cee Tee

“On so many levels, it must be understood that this IS serious.”

Lisa Sanchez

“Maybe a quiet walk through Walter Reed, followed by a quiet walk through Arlington National Cemetery would be more appropriate and effective. She can end the day saluting the colors at Arlington during retreat. Oh, and all the maimed and wounded at Walter Reed should know in advance why she is there.”

Michael Wilbur

“C'mon folks this isn't about free speech, patriotism or anything else so lofty. This is about someone who feels the same way as too many of today's society. They are the most amazing person they know and wish to lift everyone else's life out of the rut's of monotony by posting about everything they do. In their mind the universe revolves around them. Today there is no difference between fame and infamy some people just gotta have their 15 minutes of it. As far as getting punished, yeah, she broke the rules. Do others do it? Yeah. Do they post a selfie of themselves doing it? No. I think she needs to get punished more for that part of it myself.”

Ray Shader

“What If the American Tax Payer would refuse to salute her by witholding two month's wages from this soldier? Would that get the attention of whom this soldier works for? Retired CAPT, USN.”

Roy Bebee

“Very disrespectful. She has no business being in the Army and serving this country. So Disgraceful.....”

Tamera McLean

“If you didn't want to be subject to Military rule, standards, customs, and courtesies; you should not have joined the all volunteer force.”